Our Solar System

Bibliography

Simon, Seymour. 2007. Our Solar System. US: HarperCollins Publisher. ISBN 0-06-114008-2.

Summary

Our solar system is one tiny piece of the Milky Way. Simon takes us exploring by describing each planet (for example, the make-up and size) and comparing it to Earth to give readers a sense of the differences and sheer size of what is orbiting out there in space. Included are pictures taken from various times through satellite pictures.

Critical Analysis

From research about Seymour Simon, he is the author of many acclaimed children's science books. He has dedicated his life to bringing science and discovery to children of all ages. The Smithsonian Institute was created to increase and to spread the wealth of knowledge to all. The research collected and shared within this book has brought information for young readers to begin their exploration into space and what surrounds us in the universe.

The organization within the book starts with the introduction and provides information for each planet, starting with Mercury and moving away from the sun. The information provided includes factors such as size and comparison to Earth (for example, If Jupiter were hollow, more than 1,300 planet Earths could fit inside) , any moons (Uranus has five large moons and at least twenty-two smaller ones), what each planet is made of, and any other special features for each planet. The book is organized in a matter where the reader would not get distracted by side paragraphs and can focus on the text and pictures.

The photographs contained in this book are real images from telescopes and satellites. Many images are full-pages and show details of planet images, such as Jupiter's Great Red Spot while other images are graphic images to demonstrate certain aspects such as the greenhouse effect. In this book, it was important to use real images for readers to see and appreciate the differences of each planet.

The style of the book invites readers to discovering each planet, as well as discovering comets, meteoroids, comets and asteroids. The language used is simple and to the point, informing readers what the author wants to share and vital information, such as the criteria for classifying planets and why Pluto is no long considered a planet but a dwarf planet. The author left me wanting to learn more about certain aspects and whatever else is out there in our vast universe.

Review Excerpts

Booklist- One of those "must have" books for children's nonfiction collections, this will be useful as well as beautiful for years to come. Consider multiple copies.

School Library Journal- This book serves best as an introduction to the single topic books since the information presented here is quite brief.

Kirkus Reviews- Handsome diagrams show relative sizes and vital statistics of the planets, pinpoint the solar system's location in our galaxy, and map the planets' orbits. It would be hard to imagine a better introduction to our little corner of the universe.

Connections

• Visit websites:
• http://www.si.edu/
• http://www.nasa.gov/
• hubblesite.org
• Perform a study on certain planets or areas of interest about space and the universe.
• Create diagrams to display and inform others about space.